The Philadelphia Eagles Set Chip Kelly Up To Fail

Analyzing the Announcement of Kelly’s Firing

When I watched the video of the announcement of the firing of Chip Kelly, Lurie used words like “trajectory” and “collaberation”. Trajectory is a path of an object that rises and descends after being propelled – as in a cannonball trajectory. Collaboration is a working practice whereby individuals work together to a common purpose to achieve business benefit.  I was disappointed.  I wanted the team to remove Chip Kelly from the authority of general manager, but wanted him to continue to pursue his vision as our head coach.  We were in year three of a five year plan. Or so I thought.

When I examine what was said in the announcement, I was greatly concerned.  Why?
Q. Did you present an option to Chip to stay on as the coach, but not have complete personnel control? Or was that not talked about?
JEFFREY LURIE: No, I did not offer that. It was decided that it was best to go in a different direction.

What? A guy coached the team for three years. Granted that was not large sampling, but the team was 26-21 under his tenure.  What different direction did this team have in mind?

Q. Did Chip at least make a play to try to keep his job?
JEFFREY LURIE: No, he did not. But the atmosphere was such that I think he knew he was being let go. So in fairness, that decision was made before Chip met with myself and [Eagles President] Don Smolenski.

So the decision was made before any conversation, and understanding, any dialogue. How can that be? Well, if the plan was to get to this point all along, then it makes sense.

Q. Why did you make the decision on the Tuesday night before Week 17? Why the timing last night?
JEFFREY LURIE: Three reasons for the early-ish timing, I suppose you could say. One, I wanted to get a jump start on our head coaching search and I knew already what we were going to do. I thought having six extra days was pretty important, because as you know, it’s a chaotic, rushed schedule when you’re looking for a head coach. Secondly, I thought in fairness to Chip, it was a good way for him to also view the marketplace and see what’s possible in terms of employers. Most importantly, however, was the opportunity to spend a lot of time with our players and I’ve already started that process.

So the decision was made, a new coach is being sought, and Jeff Lurie wanted to talk to the players? And there’s the rub.

Next: All for one, but nobody for Chippah